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Proposal for 'turn back' of Muskegon, Webster avenues revealed by city officials

turnback streets

A $3.3 million state grant will help complete the "turn back" of Muskegon and Webster avenues into residential-type streets. City promoters and residents hope narrowing the roadway and placing stop signs will help slow traffic and tie downtown to surrounding neighborhoods. (MLive file photo)
(MLive file photo)

The city recently received a $3.3 million grant from the state to complete the "turn back" of the two roads from major thoroughfares to slower residential and regular commercial streets.

City officials met with residents and business owners along the two streets to brainstorm ideas for the project that is on a fast-track timetable. The hope is to start the project, expected to last about four months, early next spring, said Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson.

The city is proposing narrowing the streets from 44 feet to 33 feet by widening each terrace by about 5 feet, making traffic lanes 11 feet wide and having one 7-foot parking lane on each street.

Left-turn lanes would be at the intersections with Terrace Street only. There would not be any "bump-outs" and the plan does not add more parking.

"We knew we weren't able to accomplish everything, especially with the budget," Peterson said.

In addition, some traffic lights are expected to be removed and two- and four-way stops added at some intersections, Peterson said. Those changes will be determined by engineering studies, he said.

"We anticipate most of the streets changing in some way or another," Peterson said.

The project will span 12 blocks on each street, from Ninth Street to Spring Street. The roadways pass through residential areas, including the downtown historic district, as well as commercial areas.

Peterson said it's likely that some water lines will be replaced while the road is torn up.